In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses face significant changes in customer buying habits and expectations. Point-of-sale (POS) value-added resellers (VARs) play a crucial role in helping many companies, especially small to medium-sized businesses, to adapt and thrive amidst these transformations.
This blog explores six major business trends impacting POS VARs and provides insights on navigating and leveraging these trends.
Shift in Shopping Habits With Digital Here to Stay
The accelerated digital transformation has led to changes in customer buying habits. To adapt to this shift, VARs should focus on offering comprehensive technology solutions and flexible online buying options. VARs should also emphasize digital content marketing, data-driven decision-making, and evaluating the potential benefits and challenges of transitioning to a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model.
Merchants Turn to VARs for Their Expertise
As consumers have access to extensive product knowledge, merchants expect VARs to be industry experts. VARs should prioritize ensuring their employees possess an in-depth understanding of the products and services offered. By positioning themselves as trusted advisors and providing industry insights, VARs can differentiate themselves and add value to merchant partnerships.
A Growing Need for Differentiation
Merchants seek to stand out from competitors through technology and service-driven solutions. VARs should prioritize flexibility and scalability, offering customizable options that meet unique merchant requirements. By focusing on outcomes and demonstrating the value their solutions provide, VARs can position themselves as strategic partners rather than mere product providers.
The Talent Challenge
Merchants face talent acquisition and retention challenges, relying on technology solutions to compensate for labor shortages. VARs can play a vital role in addressing these challenges by offering workplace automation solutions. VARs should highlight the benefits of automation in reducing reliance on manual labor, increasing operational efficiency, and freeing up employees for higher-value tasks.
Inflation and Supply Chain Security
Inflation and disruptions impact supply chains, requiring businesses to enhance resilience and mitigate risks. POS VARs should collaborate with suppliers, explore alternative sourcing options, and offer value-added services to optimize supply chain operations. By addressing these concerns, VARs can position themselves as trusted partners, providing necessary solutions and support to overcome supply chain challenges.
The Importance of Providing Support as a True Partner to Merchants
POS VARs should go beyond initial setup and offer ongoing technical assistance, customization, and system maintenance. By providing regular software updates, security patches, and consultation on business process optimization, VARs can establish themselves as reliable partners. Integration with third-party applications further enhances the value VARs bring to merchants.
The Empower Partner Program
The Star Micronics Empower Partner Program represents a strategic alliance for Value-Added Resellers (VARs) in the POS industry. Designed with a focus on collaboration and shared success, this program provides VARs with extensive cost savings and resources to enhance their operational capabilities.
Participants in the program also benefit from access to a range of sales and marketing materials. Additionally, features like deal registration and personalized access to the Star Micronics Partner Portal offer VARs tailored support and insights.
Navigating Trends and Partnering for Success
POS VARs are at the forefront of a dynamic business landscape shaped by technological advancements and evolving customer expectations. By recognizing and navigating the key trends, VARs can position themselves as strategic partners, differentiate their offerings, and provide comprehensive support to merchants. Choosing the right vendors and partnerships is crucial for VARs. Star Micronics is one such POS solution provider offering innovative solutions to help VARs adapt to changing trends.
6 Industry Trends Affecting POS VARs and How to Handle Them
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